Bearing assembly and centering support structure therefor

ABSTRACT

The bearing assembly includes an annular bearing in which the shaft is disposed and a support structure for supporting the bearing. The bearing support is mounted about and radially supports the bearing. The bearing support at least in part defines a squeeze film annulus of the bearing assembly. A plurality of centering elements is associated with the bearing and bearing support and act to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus. The centering elements are provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may also be cylinder springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may additionally be load cell springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. In an alternative embodiment, a singular annular wave spring may be provided in place of the plurality of centering elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to bearings, such as roller bearings, journal bearings, sleeve bearings and the like, used to support rotating shafts in turbomachinery such as compressors and turbines and, more particularly, a bearing assembly including a squeeze film damper with a support structure for centering support of a bearing within the squeeze film damper annulus.

2. Description of Related Art

Large axial and radial forces act on high-speed rotors, such as the shafts of compressors or turbines, and these forces are compensated for by appropriately configured and arranged thrust bearings and journal bearings. In addition, it is also necessary to provide compensation for the radial rotor vibrations if trouble-free operation of such turbomachinery is to be ensured. For this purpose, squeeze film dampers are often employed in turbomachines to reduce the amplitude of the rotor vibrations. Typically, a squeeze film damper consists essentially of an annular gap configured between a bearing and a bearing support that is connected to an oil supply. The bearing may be a roller bearing, or may be of the hydrodynamic bearing type with hydrodynamic lubricating film on the shaft side, or may be any other bearing that supports a rotating shaft. The bearing may or may not be assembled into a sleeve. The bearing or bearing and sleeve may be referred to as a floating sleeve. In the case of a floating sleeve located within the annular gap of a squeeze film damper, the problem arises, particularly in the case of heavy rotors, that the floating sleeve is not centered in the annular gap during operation. Rather, the floating sleeve is positioned in the lower region of the bore in which it is situated. This arrangement can lead to poor damping properties and, further, to wear of the corresponding components.

Numerous possibilities for centering a floating sleeve within a squeeze film damper are known to avoid these disadvantages. One arrangement uses centering O-rings in the annular region of the squeeze film damper. Another arrangement uses centering provided by means of a lateral spring rod cage and by means of leaf springs arranged radially and locally at the periphery. A further squeeze film damper centering arrangement uses bending rods arranged radially at the outside periphery. A disadvantageous feature of O-ring centering, however, is that this arrangement has a nonlinear spring characteristic and unsatisfactory long-term behavior whereas, in the case of the spring rod cage, a very large amount of axial installation space is necessary. Moreover, bending rods require a large amount of radial space and, because of the large number of individual parts, are high cost and often deliver unsatisfactory concentricity accuracy. The leaf spring solution, which likewise requires a large amount of radial space, can only be manufactured by an electrical discharge machining method. In this case, furthermore, there is danger of shaft-side deformation of the bearing sleeve.

Based on the foregoing, there is considerable room for improvement in the field of bearing design and in the design of squeeze film dampers, particularly spring-backed or aided squeeze film dampers. The invention disclosed herein provides an improved and flexible structural support for centering a floating sleeve in a squeeze film annulus and overcomes many of the foregoing disadvantages found in current bearing and squeeze film damper design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The bearing assembly for a rotating shaft according to one embodiment comprises a bearing in which the shaft is disposed, a bearing support mounted about and radially supporting the bearing, the bearing support at least in part defining a squeeze film annulus of the bearing assembly, and at least one centering element associated with the bearing and bearing support and acting to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus.

In one embodiment, the at least one centering element may comprise at least one wave spring. The at least one wave spring may substantially encircle the bearing support.

In another embodiment, the at least one centering element may comprise a plurality of beam springs provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing. The bearing assembly may further comprise a housing enclosing the bearing support, and each beam spring may comprise a raised support pad at each end to seat against the housing and a raised support pad at an approximate center of the beam spring to seat against the bearing support. The beam springs are typically uniformly distributed around the bearing.

In a further embodiment, the at least one centering element may comprise a plurality of cylinder springs provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing. The cylinder springs are typically uniformly spaced around the bearing. The cylinder springs may be tapered on at least one axial end.

In a still further embodiment, the at least one centering element may comprise a plurality of load cell springs positioned at radially spaced locations around the bearing. Each load cell spring typically comprises at least one beam member. The beam member may define at least one internal space therein. Each load cell spring may further comprise a plurality of overlapping beam members. At least one of the overlapping beam members may define an internal space therein. The overlapping beam members may define intervening spaces between the beam members. Each load cell spring may comprise a body defining at least one internal space therein.

The bearing assembly, in another embodiment, comprises a bearing in which a shaft is disposed, a bearing support mounted about and radially supporting the bearing, the bearing support at least in part defining a squeeze film annulus of the bearing assembly, and a plurality of centering elements associated with the bearing and bearing support and acting to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus, the centering elements provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing.

In one embodiment, the centering elements comprise cylinder springs provided at the radially spaced locations around the bearing. In another embodiment, the centering elements comprise a plurality of load cell springs provided at the radially spaced locations around the bearing. Each load cell spring typically comprises at least one beam member. The beam member may define at least one internal space therein. Each load cell spring may further comprise a plurality of overlapping beam members. At least one of the overlapping beam members may define an internal space therein. The overlapping beam members may define intervening spaces between the beam members. Each load cell spring may comprise a body defining at least one internal space therein.

In a further aspect, the present invention is a method of positioning a bearing of a turbomachine in a squeeze film annulus. The method may include the steps of providing a bearing in which a rotor shaft is disposed and a bearing support mounted about and radially supporting the bearing, with the bearing support at least in part defining the squeeze film annulus. A further step typically comprises providing a plurality of centering elements associated with the bearing and bearing support and acting to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus, with the centering elements provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing. An additional step in the method may comprise individually machining or shimming the centering elements to adjust the positioning of the bearing in the squeeze film annulus or to impart pre-load to improve the resiliency of the centering elements.

In one embodiment, the centering elements comprise cylinder springs provided at the radially spaced locations around the bearing. In another embodiment, the centering elements comprise a plurality of load cell springs provided at the radially spaced locations around the bearing. The step of providing the plurality of centering elements may comprise providing the load cell springs at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. Each load cell spring typically comprises at least one beam member. The beam member may define at least one internal space therein. Each load cell spring may further comprise a plurality of overlapping beam members. At least one of the overlapping beam members may define an internal space therein. The overlapping beam members may define intervening spaces between the beam members. Each load cell spring may comprise a body defining at least one internal space therein. As in the prior art, O-rings may be used to seal fluid into a squeeze film annulus, but unlike some of the prior art, the O-rings do not act as a support device for the floating sleeve.

Further details and advantages of the present invention will become clear upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like reference numerals throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly with an embodiment of a centering support structure comprising centering beam springs;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly with another embodiment of a centering support structure comprising a centering wave spring;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly with a further embodiment of a centering support structure support incorporating cylindrical centering elements;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a detail view of detail 7A in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7B is a detail view of an alternative configuration of the cylindrical centering element shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly of FIG. 5 comprising load cell springs according to a first embodiment provided in place of the cylindrical centering elements in the centering support structure;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of one of the load cell spring shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary alternative design for the load cell spring of FIG. 8B;

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary alternative design for the load cell spring of FIG. 8B;

FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary alternative design for the load cell spring of FIG. 8B;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly of FIG. 5 comprising load cell springs according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of one of the load cell springs shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly of FIG. 5 comprising load cell springs according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of one of the load cell springs shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary alternative design for the load cell spring of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary alternative design for the load cell spring of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary alternative design for the load cell spring of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 10F is a cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary alternative design for the load cell spring of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly of FIG. 5 comprising load cell springs according to a fourth embodiment; and

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of one of the load cell springs shown in FIG. 11A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the embodiment of the invention as it is oriented in the accompanying drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the present invention may assume many alternative variations and embodiments except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention, and wherein like elements are designated with like reference numerals throughout.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a bearing assembly 10 is generally shown supporting a rotor shaft of a rotary machine, such as a turbine or a compressor. Such rotor shafts are adapted to carry the turbomachine components and are thus subjected to deflections and vibrations at resonant conditions. Typically, bearing reaction to a rotor shaft at resonant conditions will produce rotor instability if not attenuated. Attenuation is herein achieved by appropriate centering of a bearing of the bearing assembly 10 by the use of various embodiments of a support structure comprising one or more centering elements, typically centering spring elements, and fluid squeeze film damping.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a first embodiment of bearing assembly 10 is illustrated. Bearing assembly 10 generally comprises a bearing 12 and a bearing support structure 14 disposed about and radially supporting bearing 12. Bearing 12 is, in turn, disposed about a rotor shaft 15 aligned on a longitudinal central shaft axis L. As illustrated, the major components of bearing assembly 10, namely bearing 12 and support structure 14, are also symmetrical about axis L and rotor shaft 15. Rotor shaft 15 may be a solid element, as illustrated, or be provided as a cylindrical-shaped structure aligned on and rotatable about axis L. Rotor shaft 15 has an outer surface S that is engaged in bearing 12. Bearing 12 is illustrated as a tilt pad bearing as one possible embodiment of bearing 12. However, bearing 12 may also take the form of a roller bearing, comprising an inner race rigidly attached to rotor shaft 15, an outer race having an outer cylindrical surface and an annular side face, and a plurality of rollers disposed between the inner and outer races as is typical for roller bearings, or as a sleeve bearing as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 discussed herein.

Bearing 12 generally comprises a plurality of tilt pads 16 and a typically circumferentially-extending tilt pad retainer 18. Tilt pads 16 and tilt pad retainer 18 are typically assembled into an outer sleeve-shaped bearing support 19, and tilt pads 16, tilt pad retainer 18, and sleeve-shaped bearing support 19 may be referred to either as a “damper journal” or as a “floating sleeve” structure; terms that are well-known in the turbomachinery field. Reference character “F” is used herein to identify such a floating sleeve structure. Accordingly, the term “floating sleeve structure” F is intended to comprise tilt pads 16, tilt pad retainer 18, and outer bearing support 19. Bearing 12 typically extends around the circumference or perimeter of rotor shaft 15, with tilt pads 16 generally individually engaged with rotor shaft 15, tilt pad retainer 18, and bearing support 19 forming a generally annular or ring-shaped structure about tilt pads 16 and shaft 15.

Support structure 14 forms a resilient damping structure about bearing 12 and further comprises an outer housing 20 typically enclosing the components of bearing 12 and the individual damping components of the support structure 14. Damping support structure 14 further comprises a plurality of resilient (i.e., flexible) centering elements 80 as described further herein. Centering elements 80 are disposed within housing 20 and generally act between housing 20 and bearing support 19 to resiliently support the floating sleeve structure F.

As indicated previously, bearing 12 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a multi-component structure comprising tilt pads 16 and tilt pad retainer 18 with bearing support 19 enclosing tilt pads 16 and tilt pad retainer 18. Support structure 14 is disposed about bearing 12 and bearing support 19 on rotor shaft 15. Bearing support 19, as indicated previously, is generally a circumferentially-extending structure disposed about and supporting tilt pads 16. Bearing support 19 further assembles tilts pads 16 and tilt pad retainer 18 into a singular unit or the floating sleeve structure F described previously. Tilt pad retainer 18 and bearing support 19 together cooperatively define a plurality of radial bores 40 (as shown in FIG. 2), to provide lubricating hydraulic fluid to the tilt pads 16. O-ring type axial seals 50 are disposed in respective grooves 52 defined in the axial ends of bearing support 19, and which sealingly abut opposed inner sides 54 of housing 20 to seal a squeeze film annulus H from the external environment. Housing 20 further defines a radial inner side or surface 56.

Bearing support 19 comprises a cylindrical or radial outer side or surface 60 that is enclosed by housing 20. Radial outer side 60 of bearing support 19 is disposed radially inward from radial inner side 56 of housing 20. Housing 20 defines a plurality of discrete recesses 70 that are substantially enclosed by the radial outer side 60 of bearing support 19, and wherein centering elements 80 are individually disposed and retained. Recesses (i.e., chambers) 70 are provided in the radial inner side 56 of housing 20. A hydraulic fluid squeeze film damper is associated with the radial outer side 60 of bearing support 19 and is disposed between the radial outer side 60 and the radial inner side 56 of housing 20. The squeeze film damper is essentially an annulus H filled at least in part with hydraulic fluid between the radial outer side 60 of bearing support 19 and the radial inner side 56 of housing 20 for damping the amplitude of vibration of rotor shaft 15 and floating sleeve structure F. Squeeze film annulus H is in fluid communication with an outside source of hydraulic fluid via a plurality of radial supply openings 72 in housing 20 to supply hydraulic fluid under system pressure to squeeze film annulus H. Supply openings 72 are further in fluid communication with radial bores 40 and are typically continuous with radial bores 40 as illustrated to supply lubricating hydraulic fluid to bearing 12 for lubrication of tilt pads 16.

Centering elements 80 are typically centering spring elements, such as beam springs, and are disposed in the respective recesses 70. Multiple centering elements 80 are disposed about floating sleeve structure F and interrupt the squeeze film annulus H. Typically, centering elements 80 are symmetrically or uniformly distributed or spaced about the circumference of floating sleeve structure F and interrupt squeeze film annulus H at regular intervals, such as 90° or 72° apart. Centering elements 80 are positioned radially outward from bearing 12 and uniformly distributed or spaced about bearing 12. Centering elements 80 act radially on floating sleeve structure F for centering floating sleeve structure F and, hence, bearing 12 in squeeze film annulus H. Centering elements 80 generally provide a centering force that will resist motion of floating sleeve structure F and, therefore, bearing 12, and thereby center floating sleeve structure F in squeeze film annulus H to enhance the effectiveness of squeeze film annulus H in dampening vibration of rotor shaft 15. Centering elements 80 in conjunction with the squeeze film annulus H are used to dampen or control synchronous or non-synchronous vibration in a rotating turbomachine incorporating a rotating shaft such as rotor shaft 15. Such turbomachinery, with which bearing assembly 10 is intended to be applied, typically include high speed rotating turbomachinery, including high speed compressors, turbines, and high pressure-high gas density applications where potential for high subsynchronous vibration is present.

Centering elements 80 are generally disposed to act between housing 20 in each recess 70 and the radial outer side 60 of bearing support 19. Centering elements 80 are generally slightly shorter in axial length than the axial length of the discrete recesses 70. In other embodiments described in this disclosure, a singular or unitary “centering” structure that extends circumferentially about floating sleeve structure F is provided. Such a unitary structure may also be provided as a segmented or multi-component structure comprised of several distinct centering structures or elements that cooperatively form an annular structure to encompass floating sleeve structure F. For example, such a singular or unitary centering structure may comprise a singular, circumferential wave spring, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 discussed herein.

As indicated, centering elements 80 are generally adapted to act on floating sleeve structure F within squeeze film annulus H and, in particular, act between housing 20 and bearing support 19 to provide the centering force to floating sleeve structure F. Centering elements 80 may take any suitable form to accomplish the centering of floating sleeve structure F. However, a desirable form for centering elements 80 is illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, centering elements 80 each comprise two axial ends formed with raised support pads 82, 84 which contact the radial inner side 56 of housing 20 in each recess 70. The radial inner side of each centering element 80 is formed with a centrally located reaction pad 86 adapted to contact the outer periphery or radial outer side 60 of bearing support 19. In practice, each centering element 80 is positioned within a respective recesses 70 which is formed continuous with squeeze film annulus H so that central reaction pad 86 of each centering element 80 acts radially on floating sleeve structure F.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, another embodiment of bearing assembly 10 _(a) is shown and is generally similar to bearing assembly 10 described hereinabove, with certain modifications to centering support structure 14. In bearing assembly 10 _(a), respective wave springs 100, 102 are associated with floating sleeve structure F_(a) to provide the centering force to floating sleeve structure F_(a). As illustrated in FIG. 3, bearing support 19 _(a) is formed for cooperating engagement with housing 20 _(a) Squeeze film annulus Ha is defined or formed between bearing support 19 _(a) and housing 20 _(a). Accordingly, housing 20 _(a) is formed to engage bearing support 19 _(a) and define squeeze film annulus H_(a) with the bearing support 19 _(a). Hydraulic fluid is supplied through supply openings 72 _(a) in housing 20 _(a) directly to squeeze film annulus H_(a) and to tilt pads 16 _(a) via continuous radial openings or bores 40 _(a) in bearing support 19 _(a) and tilt pad retainer 18 _(a). It will generally be understood that tilt pads 16 _(a), tilt pad retainer 18 _(a), and bearing support 19 _(a) continue to form a floating sleeve structure F_(a) in a similar manner to that described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

Housing 20 _(a) further defines respective axially-separated radial receiving openings or recesses 104, 106 wherein wave springs 100, 102 are disposed. The radial outer side 60 _(a) of bearing support 19 _(a) substantially encloses wave springs 100, 102 in recesses 104, 106. Generally, wave springs 100, 102 act between housing 20 _(a) and bearing support 19 _(a) to provide the centering force to centering floating sleeve structure F_(a) in squeeze film annulus H_(a). Radial receiving recesses 104, 106 are typically defined at respective axial ends 108, 110 of housing 20 _(a). Waves spring 100, 102 are disposed in radial receiving recesses 104, 106, respectively, and are adapted to act between housing 20 _(a) in receiving recesses 104, 106 and the radial outer side 60 _(a) of bearing support 19 _(a). Wave springs 100, 102 act in radial receiving recesses 104, 106 to provide the centering force to floating sleeve structure F_(a). Wave springs 102, 104 exert radially inwardly directed forces on floating sleeve structure F_(a) and radially outwardly directed forces on housing 20 _(a). These applied forces are equal and opposite and function to center floating sleeve structure F_(a) in squeeze film annulus H_(a) to inhibit floating sleeve structure F_(a) from “bottoming” or “topping” out in annulus H_(a).

As shown in FIG. 3, housing 20 _(a) and bearing support 19 _(a) are formed for a cooperating or mating engagement such that squeeze film annulus H_(a) is formed between these structures. In one possible embodiment, housing 20 _(a) comprises a radial depending portion 112 that engages a recessed receiving portion 114 defined in radial outer side 60 _(a) of bearing support 19 _(a) in a complimentary fashion. Radial depending portion 112 and recessed receiving portion 114 define squeeze film annulus H_(a) therebetween. In contrast to bearing assembly 10 discussed previously in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, O-ring type seals 50 _(a) are disposed in a pair of grooves 52 _(a) now defined substantially in the axial ends of radial depending portion 112 of housing 20 _(a). As indicated previously, a continuous passage is defined by supply openings 72 _(a) in housing 20 _(a) and radial openings 40 _(a) in bearing support 19 _(a) and tilt pad retainer 18 _(a) to supply hydraulic fluid under system pressure directly to squeeze film annulus H_(a) and tilt pads 16 _(a). O-ring seals 50 _(a), or equivalent sealing structures, provide a sealing engagement with recessed receiving portion 114 of bearing support 19 _(a) to seal squeeze film annulus H_(a) from the exterior environment.

The various configurations and specified arrangements of bearing assembly 10, 10 _(a) described hereinabove in connection with FIGS. 1-4, are adapted to support both static and dynamic loads as transmitted by bearings 12, 12 _(a) to respective support structures 14, 14 _(a). More particularly, with rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a) at rest, the static load or weight of the rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a) is transmitted from bearings 14, 14 _(a) to floating sleeve structures F, F_(a). The weight of rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a) on the lower portion of floating sleeve structures F, F_(a) underneath shafts 15, 15 _(a) will compress the respective squeeze film annulus H, H_(a). However, the centering elements 80, in the case of bearing assembly 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, and wave springs 100, 102, in the case of bearing assembly 10 _(a) of FIGS. 3 and 4 will resist such distortion of the squeeze film annulus H_(a) and carry the static weight of rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a) without significant deflection. When dynamic loading is experience with rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a) rotating at high speed, as in a gas turbine engine application, unbalances in rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a) resolve themselves into a resultant radially outwardly directed force which rotates with rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a). The magnitude of the resultant force is proportional to speed and, at high shaft speed, significantly exceeds the static weight of rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a). Since the resultant force exceeds the weight of rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a) and tends to deflect rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a) radially, centering elements 80 and wave springs 100, 102 act in concert with the hydraulic fluid in the respective squeeze film annulus H, H_(a) to resist radial movement of rotor shafts 15, 15 _(a) and dampen both synchronous and non-synchronous vibration that may occur in rotating shafts 15, 15 _(a).

A further embodiment of a bearing assembly 10 _(b) is shown in FIGS. 5-7. Bearing assembly 10 _(b) is generally similar to bearing assembly 10 discussed previously in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, in that bearing assembly 10 _(b) returns to the concept of using multiple, discrete centering elements 80 _(b) rather than circumferential or annular wave springs as discussed immediately above in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. As indicated previously, any suitable bearing structure used in the field of turbomachinery, such as tilt pad bearings, roller bearings, and sleeve bearings, may be used in any of the embodiments of bearing assembly 10, 10 _(a), 10 _(b) described in this disclosure with appropriate modification to the support structure of the bearings 12, 12 _(a), 12 _(b). In FIGS. 5-7, bearing 12 _(b) is shown as a sleeve bearing rather than the tilt bearings shown and described previously in connection with FIGS. 1-4. Bearing 12 _(b) may also take the form of these multi-piece bearing constructions if desired. The chief difference between bearing assembly 10 _(b) shown in FIGS. 5-7 and bearing assemblies 10, 10 _(a) discussed previously lies in the configuration of support structure 14 _(b). Certain modifications are made to support structure 14 _(b) when compared to support structure 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and support structure 14 _(a) shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to accommodate sleeve bearing 12 _(b).

In bearing assembly 10 _(b), a bearing support, such as bearing supports 19, 19 _(a) used previously in bearing assemblies 10, 10 _(a), is omitted from bearing assembly 10 _(b), with their functions incorporated or integrated into sleeve bearing 12 _(b). In bearing assembly 10 _(b), a singular “bearing retainer” ₁₈b performs the function of housings 20, 20 _(a) in bearing assemblies 10, 10 _(a), and the term “bearing retainer 18 _(b)” is intended to be synonymous in this disclosure with housings 20, 20 _(a) discussed previously. Sleeve bearing 12 _(b) alone forms a “floating sleeve structure” F_(b) similar to floating sleeve structures F, F_(a) described previously. Bearing retainer or “support” 18 _(b) now cooperates or engages directly with sleeve bearing 12 _(b) and supports sleeve bearing 12 _(b). Multiple centering elements 80 _(b) are provided to act between bearing retainer 18 _(b) and sleeve bearing 12 _(b) to provide the centering force directly to bearing 12 _(b) and assist the squeeze film damping provided by squeeze film annulus H_(b).

Bearing retainer 18 _(b) is disposed radially outward from sleeve bearing 12 _(b) and defines squeeze film annulus H_(b) with sleeve bearing 12 _(b). Bearing retainer 18 _(b) and bearing 12 _(b) are formed in an analogous manner to housing 20 _(a) and bearing support 19 _(a) discussed previously in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4 and cooperate in a similar complimentary fashion. In particular, in one possible embodiment, bearing retainer 18 _(b) comprises a radial depending portion 120 that engages a recessed receiving portion 122 defined in a radial outer surface 124 of sleeve bearing 12 _(b). Radial depending portion 120 and recessed receiving portion 122 define squeeze film annulus H_(b) therebetween. In a similar manner to bearing assembly 102, O-ring type seals 50 _(b) are disposed in a pair of grooves 52 _(b) now defined substantially in axial ends 126, 128 of radial depending portion 120 of bearing retainer 18 _(b). A continuous passage is defined by radial openings or bores 72 _(b) in bearing retainer 18 _(b) to supply hydraulic fluid under system pressure to an annular distribution groove 129 that feeds directly to squeeze film annulus H_(b) and to sleeve bearing 12 _(b) through radial bores 40 _(a), now provided in sleeve bearing 12 _(b). O-ring seals 50 _(b), or equivalent sealing structures, provide a sealing engagement with recessed receiving portion 122 of bearing retainer 19 _(b) to seal squeeze film annulus H_(b) from the exterior environment.

Bearing retainer 18 _(b) and sleeve bearing 12 _(b), when associated, cooperatively define a plurality of individual receiving recesses 70 _(b) that are generally similar to recesses 70 discussed previously in connection with bearing assembly 10. More particularly, bearing retainer 18 _(b) defines the discrete recesses 70 _(b) with sleeve bearing 12 _(b) axially outside of the cooperative engagement between radial depending portion 120 and recessed receiving portion 122 (i.e., in the axial ends of bearing retainer 18 _(b)). Recesses 70 _(b) are discretely defined between a radial inner-surface or side 130 of bearing retainer 18 _(b) and the radial outer side 124 of sleeve bearing 12 _(b). Centering elements 80 _(b) are typically centering spring elements and are disposed in the respective recesses 70 _(b). Multiple centering elements 80 _(b) are typically disposed about sleeve bearing 12 _(b), but unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 do not physically interrupt the squeeze film annulus H_(b). Typically, centering elements 80 _(b) are symmetrically or uniformly distributed or spaced about the circumference of sleeve bearing 12 _(b) such as 90° apart as illustrated in FIG. 6 or 72° apart as illustrated in FIG. 2. Centering elements 80 _(b) are positioned radially outward from bearing 12 _(b) in discrete recesses 70 _(b) and act on sleeve bearing 12 _(b) for centering sleeve bearing 12 _(b) in squeeze film annulus H_(b) and act to enhance the effectiveness of the squeeze film annulus H_(b) to dampen vibration of rotor shaft 15 _(b).

Centering elements 80 _(b) are generally disposed to act between the radial inner surface 130 of bearing retainer 18 _(b) and radial outer surface 124 of sleeve bearing 12 _(b) axially outside of the cooperative engagement between depending portion 120 of bearing retainer 18 _(b) and recessed receiving portion 122 of sleeve bearing 12 _(b). Centering elements 80 _(b) are typically in the form of cylindrical spring elements having an open, cylindrical cross-sectional shape, but may also be oval or elliptical. Centering elements 80 _(b) resiliently deform when radial force is applied to the centering elements 80 _(b) such as during resonance vibration of shaft 15 that is transmitted through bearing 12 _(b). As a result, centering elements 80 _(b) act as stiff springs with an associated stiffness to accommodate the vibration of shaft 15 _(b) and resultant motion of bearing 12 _(b) while supporting bearing 12 _(b) within squeeze film annulus H_(b). Accordingly, cylindrical centering elements 80 _(b) are typically in direct contact with bearing retainer 18 _(b) and sleeve bearing 12 _(b) and provide a stiff spring force acting between these two structures to accommodate vibration of shaft 15 _(b). Centering elements 80 _(b) are generally slightly shorter in axial length than the axial length of the discrete recesses 70 _(b) to allow for a slight vertical compression and accompanying horizontal expansion. While recesses 70 _(b) are depicted as open space for accommodating the respective centering elements 80 _(b), a cage ring such as that used to the rolling elements of a rolling element bearing may be provided in place of the respective recesses 70 _(b) as an alternative configuration to the structure shown in FIGS. 5-7.

Recesses 70 _(b) are defined by the cooperative engagement of bearing retainer 18 _(b) and sleeve bearing 12 _(b), and are adapted to capture cylindrical centering elements 80 _(b) therein. As shown in FIG. 5, recesses 70 _(b) are not necessarily required to be enclosed recesses (i.e., “chambers”) as was substantially the case in FIGS. 1 and 2. Bearing retainer 18 _(b) and sleeve bearing 12 _(b) may comprise respective opposed radial tabs 140, 142 for securing the respective cylindrical centering elements 80 _(b) within recesses 70 _(b). Thus, cylindrical centering elements 80 _(b) are typically captured in recesses 70 _(b) in both the axial and radial directions. FIG. 7B illustrates a modification to recesses 70 _(b) and cylindrical centering elements 80 _(b), wherein outward facing axial ends 144 of cylindrical centering elements 80 _(b) are slightly coned or tapered to assist with pre-loading sleeve bearing 12 _(b) within squeeze film annulus H_(b). During operation, cylindrical centering elements 80 _(b) substantially do not “roll” within recesses 70 _(b) or may roll a minimal amount when following the precessional motion of bearing 12 _(b). As indicated, the multiple centering elements 80 _(b) act between bearing retainer 18 _(b) and bearing 12 _(b) to center sleeve bearing 12 _(b) within squeeze film annulus H_(b) to enhance performance of squeeze film annulus H_(b) and prevent the “bottoming-out” or “topping-out” of sleeve bearing 12 _(b) within squeeze film annulus H_(b). Centering elements 80 _(b) exert radially inwardly directed forces on sleeve bearing 12 _(b) and radially outwardly directed forces on bearing retainer 18 _(b) to accomplish the centering of sleeve bearing 12 _(b). These applied forces are equal and opposite and function to center sleeve bearing 12 _(b) radially within squeeze film annulus H_(b).

FIGS. 8-11 show several additional embodiments of centering elements 150 _(a-d) that May be used in bearing assembly 10 _(b) described hereinabove. Centering elements 150 _(a-d) shown in FIGS. 8-11 are disposed in respective recesses 152 _(a-d) which are generally similar to recesses 70 _(b) discussed previously, only now shaped or formed to the configuration of the centering elements 150 _(a-d). Centering elements 150 _(a-d) may be secured in the recesses 152 _(a-d) by similar structure discussed previously in connection with FIGS. 5-7 or by other suitable methods including a friction fit insertion or by being welded in place in recesses 152 _(a-d).

With the foregoing in mind, FIGS. 8A and 8B show bearing assembly 10 _(b) with centering elements 150 _(a) according to a first embodiment. As indicated, centering elements 150 _(a) are disposed at uniformly spaced locations around sleeve bearing 12 _(b) in recesses 152 _(a) provided at these locations. More particularly, centering elements 150 _(a) are symmetrically or uniformly distributed or spaced about the circumference of sleeve bearing 12 _(b) such as 90° apart as illustrated in FIG. 8A or 72° apart as illustrated in FIG. 2. Centering elements 150 _(a) are positioned radially outward from bearing 12 _(b) and act on sleeve bearing 12 _(b) for centering sleeve bearing 12 _(b) in squeeze film annulus H_(b) and act to enhance the effectiveness of the squeeze film annulus H_(b) to dampen vibration of rotor shaft 15 _(b). Centering elements 150 _(a) are representative of the various embodiments of this structure shown in FIGS. 8-11, and are generally pad-like structures disposed, as indicated, at four (4), 90° radial locations around sleeve bearing 12 _(b). Spring elements 150 _(a) each generally comprise a body 160 _(a) comprising a base beam member or element 162 _(a), a distal beam member 164 _(a), and an intermediate beam member or element 166 _(a) connecting base beam member 162 _(a) and distal beam member 164 _(a). Distal beam member 164 _(a) and intermediate beam member 166 _(a) generally form or define a plurality of overlapping cantilevered beam spring elements radially outward from base member 162 _(a). Overlapping distal beam member 164 _(a) and intermediate beam member 166 _(a) form a resilient beam spring network for each centering element 150 _(a) and, as can be appreciated from FIGS. 8 and 8A, are cantilevered outward from a central area or portion 168 _(a) of body 160 _(a) of each centering element 150 _(a). Additionally, intervening spaces 172 _(a) are defined between distal beam member 164 _(a) and intermediate beam member 166 _(a) and between intermediate beam member 166 _(a) and base beam member 162 _(a), which allows the distal and intermediate beam members 164 _(a), 166 _(a) to function as beam spring elements under radial load conditions applied to centering elements 150 _(a). Intermediate beam member 162 _(a), as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, may define an internal space 174 _(a) therein, thus making the wall of intermediate beam member 166 _(a) thin to allow compression thereof when radial force is applied to body 160 _(a). Such an internal space 174 _(a) (as shown in dashed lines) may also be provided in distal beam member 164 _(a). In particular, as radial force is applied to body 160 _(a), distal beam member 164 _(a) will deflect about central portion 168 _(a) to typically contact intermediate beam member 166 _(a), which will also typically compress towards base beam member 162 _(a). However, the spring force in each of these beam “springs” will act to resist such deflection or compression thereof, and provide a resilient force resisting the radial load or force applied to centering elements 150 _(a).

As will also be appreciated from FIGS. 8A and 8B, intermediate beam member 166 _(a) and distal beam member 164 _(a) are relatively short beams which will limit their flexibility and thereby increase their stiffness. Thus, each centering element 150 _(a), taken as a whole, will be a relative stiff “resilient” structure of only moderate flexibility, and will operate in a manner analogous to a load cell, and may alternatively be referred to as “load cell springs”. It will be recognized that such “load cell springs” are used primarily as springs and not as conventional load cells, but could further be used or instrumented to operate as load cells, if desired. As further shown in FIG. 8A, the generally flat or planar underside of base beam member 162 _(a) is in contact with sleeve bearing 12 _(b) and the width (i.e., radial height) of base member 162 _(a) may be machined or shimmed to adjust the centering clearance of sleeve bearing 12 _(b) in squeeze film annulus H_(b). Each individual centering element 150 _(a) may be individual machined or shimmed as necessary to adjust the centering clearance of sleeve bearing 12 _(b) in squeeze film annulus H_(b) thereby improving maintenance and operation of the turbomachine incorporating bearing assembly 10 _(b). In addition, grinding or shimming can also be used to assist with pre-loading sleeve bearing 12 _(b) within squeeze film annulus H_(b). This process may be repeated with any of the embodiments of centering elements 150 discussed herein.

As indicated previously, an internal space 174 _(a) may optionally be provided in distal beam member 164 _(a), as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8B. Internal spaces 174 _(a) make distal beam member 164 _(a) and/or intermediate beam member ₁₆₆ _(a) relatively thin-walled to allow for the deflection and compression of distal beam member 164 _(a) toward intermediate beam member 164 _(a) and intermediate beam member 166 _(a) toward base beam member 162 _(a). One or both of internal spaces 174 _(a) may be omitted, if desired, in centering element 150 _(a). Additionally, internal spaces 174 _(a) may each be provided as a plurality of individual internal spaces 174 _(a), for example in the manner shown in FIG. 10E described herein, rather than the singular space or void illustrated in FIGS. 8A.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate bearing assembly 10 _(b) with a second embodiment of centering elements 150 _(b). In centering elements 150 _(b), intermediate beam member 166 _(a) is omitted and distal beam member 164 _(b) and base beam member 162 _(b) are connected by a central connecting “post” portion or member 168 _(b) of body 160 _(b). Post member 168 _(b) will permit distal beam member 164 _(b) to deflect about post portion 168 _(b) and compress towards base beam member 162 _(b) when radial force is applied to centering element 150 _(b). Base beam member 162 _(b) and distal beam member 164 _(b) may each define an elongated internal space 174 _(b) making these members relatively thin-walled in the vicinity of post portion 168 _(b) to allow for the deflection and compression of distal beam member 164 _(b) about post member 162 _(b). One or both of internal spaces 174 _(b) may be omitted, if desired, in centering element 150 _(b). Additionally, internal spaces 174 _(b) may each be alternatively provided as a plurality of individual internal spaces 174 _(b), for example, in the manner shown in FIG. 10E described herein, rather than the singular space or void illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate bearing assembly 10 _(b) with a third embodiment of centering elements 150 _(c). In centering elements 150 _(c), base beam member 162 _(c), intermediate beam member 166 _(c), and distal beam member 164 _(c) define an overall S-shape for centering elements 150 _(c). Intervening spaces 172 _(c) are defined between intermediate beam member 166 _(c) and base beam member 162 _(c) and distal beam member 164 _(c) and intermediate beam member 166 _(c) to allow deflection of distal beam member 164 _(c) and intermediate beam member 166 _(c). Deflection characteristics of distal beam member 164 _(c) and intermediate beam member 166 _(c) may be controlled by the sizing of cut-out areas 180 in the areas of body 160 _(c) connecting intermediate beam member 166 _(c) to base beam member 162 _(c) and connecting distal beam member 164 _(c) to intermediate beam member 166 _(c). Cut-out areas 180 may be provided in shapes other than the circular shape illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, such as oval, elliptical or be simply elongated, generally polygonal shaped cut-out areas 180, as shown in FIG. 10D. Cut-out areas 180 may also be omitted altogether if desired as shown in FIG. 10C. As will be appreciated from FIGS. 10A and 10B, intermediate beam member 166 _(c) and distal beam member 164 _(c) comprise two oppositely facing cantilevered beam springs which will deflect toward base beam member 162 _(c) when external radial force is applied to the body 160 _(c) of centering element 150 _(c), and provide a resilient counter-acting force to such a compressive radial force.

Finally, and as shown in FIGS. 10E and 10F with respect to centering elements 150 _(c), intermediate beam member 166 _(c)and distal beam member 164 _(c) may each define one or more internal spaces 174 _(c) to make these structures thinner-walled and aid in the deflection and compression of distal beam member 164 _(c) toward intermediate beam member 166 _(c) and intermediate beam member 166 _(c) toward base beam member 162 _(c). Generally, internal spaces 174 _(c)in this embodiment, and in the previous embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, 9A and 9B, and in FIGS. 11A-11E to be discussed herein, may be used to adjust the overall “stiffness” of the respective centering elements 150. The internal space(s) 174 _(c) in one or both of the distal beam member 164 _(c) and intermediate beam member 166 _(c) may be omitted, if desired, in centering elements 150 _(c). Additionally, the internal spaces 174 _(c) may be provided as a plurality of internal spaces 174 _(c) in the distal beam member 164 _(c) and/or the intermediate beam member 166 _(c) as shown in FIGS. 10E-10F. The internal spaces 174 _(c) may also be elongated in the manner shown, for example, in FIG. 9B to span the length of the body 160 _(c), of the centering elements 150 _(c).

FIGS. 11A and 11B, illustrate bearing assembly 10 _(b) with a fourth embodiment of centering elements 150 _(d). Centering elements 150 _(d) are substantially similarly to centering elements 150 _(b) discussed previously, with the exception that base beam member 162 _(d) does not define an internal space as was the case in centering element 150 _(b). Accordingly, centering elements 150 _(d) will generally provide a stiffer reaction force to a radial force applied to centering elements 150 _(d) than will centering elements 150 _(b) of FIGS. 9A and 9B. Centering elements 150 _(a)-150 _(d) described hereinabove are each essentially formed as a single or unitary component. Additionally, the thickness and length of the respective beam segments or members forming the respective centering elements 150 _(a)-150 _(d) may be altered to change the stiffness values of the respective centering elements 150 _(a)-150 _(d) as desired.

Alternative variations of centering elements 150 _(a) are shown in FIGS. 8C-8E, wherein the body 160 _(a) of centering elements 150 _(a) is formed without an intermediate beam member 166 _(a) and defines one or more internal spaces 174 _(a) which take the place of intermediate beam member 166 _(a). As shown in FIGS. 8C-8D, a singular, elongated internal space 174 _(a) may be sufficient, or multiple internal spaces 174 _(a) may be provided as shown in FIG. 8E. Each internal space 174 _(a) may be provided as a plurality of internal spaces 174 _(a) as illustrated in FIGS. 10E and 10F discussed previously. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8D, a singular, elongated internal space 174 _(a) may be defined with cut-out areas 180 _(a) similar to that illustrated in FIG. 10B or, further, as shown in FIG. 10D if desired.

While the present invention was described with reference to several distinct embodiments of a bearing assembly and support structure therefor, those skilled in the art may make modifications and alterations to the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the above-detailed description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention is defined by the appended claims, and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A bearing assembly for a rotating shaft comprising: a bearing in which the shaft is disposed; a bearing support mounted about and radially supporting the bearing, the bearing support at least in part defining a squeeze film annulus of the bearing assembly; and at least one centering element associated with the bearing and bearing support and acting to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus, wherein the at least one centering element comprises a plurality of load cell springs provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing.
 2. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one centering element comprises at least one wave spring.
 3. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the at least one wave spring substantially encircles the bearing support.
 4. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one centering element comprises a plurality of beam springs positioned at spaced locations around the bearing support.
 5. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 4 further comprising a housing enclosing the bearing support, and wherein each beam spring comprises a raised support pad at each end to seat against the housing and a raised reaction pad at an approximate center of the beam spring to seat against the bearing support.
 6. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the beam springs are uniformly distributed about the circumference of the bearing support.
 7. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one centering element comprises a plurality of cylinder springs provided at spaced locations around the bearing support.
 8. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the cylinder springs are uniformly distributed about the circumference of the bearing support.
 9. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the cylinder springs are tapered on at least one axial end.
 10. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each load cell spring comprises at least one beam spring element.
 11. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the beam spring element defines at least one internal space therein.
 12. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each load cell spring comprises a plurality of overlapping beam spring elements.
 13. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein at least one of the overlapping spring elements defines an internal space therein.
 14. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the overlapping beam spring elements define intervening spaces between the beam spring elements.
 15. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each load cell spring comprises a body defining at least one internal space therein.
 16. A bearing assembly for a rotating shaft comprising: a bearing in which the shaft is disposed; a bearing support mounted about and radially supporting the bearing, the bearing support at least in part defining a squeeze film annulus of the bearing assembly; and a plurality of centering spring elements associated with the bearing support and acting on the bearing support to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus, the centering spring elements positioned at spaced locations around the bearing support, wherein the at least one centering element comprises a plurality of load cell springs provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing.
 17. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein the centering spring elements comprise cylinder springs positioned at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing.
 18. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein each load cell spring comprises at least one beam spring element.
 19. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the beam spring element defines at least one internal space therein.
 20. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein each load cell spring comprises a plurality of overlapping beam spring elements.
 21. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein at least one of the overlapping spring elements defines an internal space therein.
 22. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein the overlapping beam spring elements define intervening spaces between the beam spring elements.
 23. A bearing assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein each load cell spring comprises a body defining at least one internal space therein. 